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3 Sided Picture (Yellow), November 26, 2007, Westwood, CA, Kodak Supra

Walead Beshty

Artwork Details

3 Sided Picture (Yellow), November 26, 2007, Westwood, CA, Kodak Supra
2008
Walead Beshty
chromogenic print on paper
109 ⅝ in x 61 ⅛ in x 2 in (278.45 cm x 155.26 cm x 5.08 cm);109 ⅝ in x 61 ⅛ in x 2 in (278.45 cm x 155.26 cm x 5.08 cm)
Museum Purchase made possible by the W. Hawkins Ferry Fund
2008/2.7

Description

Subject Matter:

Created without the use of a camera, this photograph was made through a physical manipulation of the paper and its selective exposure to light. Folding a large sheet of photographic paper in complete darkness, the artist then exposed it using a colored light source. Based on how it was folded, only certain areas of the paper received a direct exposure, while others received less. The sheet was then unfolded and subsequently developed, revealing the traces of these actions in the form of chromatic, abstract shapes. The areas that received the most exposure are a deep black, while the lightly exposed folds and nooks are various shades of tangerine, honeys, and golds. The folds create the appearance of a faceted surface, lending the image a glossy, crystalline appearance. On closer inspection, these sharp angles have soft edges that meld into a gradation of alizarin and crimson blurs. Containing not only the traces of its creation, this photograph also serves as a visual record of the photons of light that fell upon it on that particular day, documenting the chance operations that informed its making.

Physical Description:

This photograph depicts an abstract composition of faceted dark shapes with red, orange and yellow edges. It was created by exposing a sheet of folded photographic paper to light and then developing it. 

Usage Rights:

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